Pharmaceutical camomile. Photo and description, how to distinguish from the field, where it grows, when to collect and dry

Already many centuries with its medicinal Pharmacy chamomile is famous for its advantages. Her photo and description is given in the article. The plant is used in various therapeutic directions, due to the wide range of effects of the medicinal flower used to treat diseases of various systems (respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, dental).

In this case, the plant is often included in the composition not only of recipes for traditional medicine, but also in the composition of dosage forms developed by official medicine.

Description and characteristics

Pharmacy chamomile, a photo and description of which can be found in this article, belongs to the Asteraceae family, is an annual that grows throughout Russia. Among agricultural crops, the plant is found as a well-known weed. You can find it in plantings, near roads, in vegetable gardens, in gardens.

The plant is of short stature, has a thin stem from 150 to 600 mm in height, the root system is poorly developed, pinnately dissected small leaves are located on the stem. The main stem is dissected upward, where inflorescences are formed at the ends of thin peduncles, after fertilization and full maturation, which are transformed into seed pods.

A recognizable feature of the inflorescences is the contrast of colors - white and rich yellow. Most people mistakenly state that the inflorescences of a medicinal plant are flowers.

For an inexperienced and ignorant person, this delusion is permissible, because according to external signs, there really is an amazing similarity with a flower containing both petals and stamens. But in truth, inflorescences consist of a number of small flowers.

Types of flowers:

View	Description
Tubular	Female and male flowers are yellow-rich in color, forming conical or hemispherical baskets in the middle. Out of inexperience, they are called stamens.
Petal	Flowers of a snow-white shade, located along the edge of the inflorescences, due to inexperience called petals. Each of them consists of 12-18 petals. Extreme white flowers contrast with the middle flowers of deep yellow color, which attracts the attention of insects pollinated by the plant.

The foliage is small and numerous, localized both on the main shoot and on the lateral ones. The leaves are pinnately dissected, thin, resembling dill greens in appearance. The arrangement of the foliage is regular, there is venation, which is rather difficult to see due to the small size of the leaf.

Pharmacy chamomile (photo and description given in the article will help you get acquainted with the distinctive characteristics of a medicinal plant with other related flowers of this family) has a core weakly branched root. Thanks to this factor, the bushes are easily removed from the ground.

The family of Compositae includes many flowers that are similar in appearance to the healing chamomile, however, they have nothing in common with it. These are asters, chrysanthemums, navels, chamomiles. In the case when a plant is chosen for decoration or a gift, confusion with flowers is acceptable.

But when the flowers are collected for the preparation of medicinal broths, there can be no mistake, after all, the composition of other related representatives of chamomile can be dangerous to health and even life the patient. At best, the use of flowers will lead to a lack of therapeutic effect, and at worst - to intoxication and anaphylactic shock against the background of allergies.

How to distinguish pharmacy chamomile

The main distinguishing feature of chamomile officinalis is a hollow receptacle. When cutting the inflorescence along, this cavity becomes clearly visible. There are other distinctive criteria by which you can recognize a real chamomile with healing properties, however, they are not universal.

Among them are the following:

1. The size of the inflorescences. Many species of related plants have similar inflorescences, but their size is much larger. For example, flowers of the genus feverfew have a diameter of inflorescences of 50-60 mm, while chamomile has only 20-25 mm.
2. The number, size and shape of the leaves. Healing chamomile has small, multiple leaves with hardly distinguishable venation. In other species, the foliage can be much larger.
3. Color combination. The medicinal representative of a flower never comes in any other shades and colors, its combination is white and yellow. Moreover, there are no blotches or spots on the white flowers.
4. The shape of the inflorescences. The receptacle in a real medicinal plant is always convex (conical or hemispherical), while in related representatives it is flat.

Compound

Pharmacy chamomile (photo and description gives a detailed description of the plant) has collected many significant components that have healing properties for the body.

These are:

• chamazulene;
• bisabolol;
• apigenin;
• coumarins;
• tanning components.

The composition of the pharmacy chamomile also contains other components, but in a much lower content, although in the complex they provide a pronounced healing effect. This is a diaphoretic glycoside, gum, bioflavonoids, mineral salts, nonylic acid.

What parts are used for medicinal purposes

Most of the nutrients are found in the inflorescences of the plant. Therefore, for the preparation of various healing infusions, decoctions, oils and other medicines, bright flowers are collected.

However, when collecting, foliage is very often come across, you should not get rid of it, because the leaves are often used together with inflorescences to make medicinal teas. The leaves also contain substances (albeit in a much smaller volume) that have anti-inflammatory, soothing, astringent effects.

Collection

Pharmacy chamomile (a photo of chamomile ready to harvest is given in the article) is recommended to be collected in dry weather so that there are no dew droplets on the plant. In this case, it is worth considering the absence of rain 3 days before collection.

According to the description, a plant collected in accordance with this rule will have a longer shelf life and will not lose its beneficial properties. Another important tip: you shouldn't collect medicinal herbs after sunset. It is believed that at this time the plant loses its strength.

Chamomile is harvested during the flowering period, when the inflorescences are already fully formed and opened. It was at this time that the highest concentration of the necessary substances was noted.

To harvest chamomile every year, you cannot pull out the bush along with the root, you also need to leave a few inflorescences for the seeds. Then, from year to year, new bushes of a medicinal plant will appear in the clearing.

Flowers are collected by hand. Fingers clamp the inflorescence from below and, pulling up, breaks away from the stem. On an industrial scale, special devices are used (a spade with teeth), and on larger areas, combines are used.

How to prepare

The collected inflorescences must be dried in the open air under a canopy. After drying, the medicinal material loses its weight by about 5 times, and its color loses its brightness, the flowers become gray-white and brown-yellow.

After complete preparation, the raw materials are laid out in storage containers or packaged for sale. It is recommended to store medicinal herbs in glass containers or sealed plastic bags.

According to medical standards for the sale of medicinal material in pharmacies, it must be free of stems, shoots and foliage, then the material is considered to be of high quality.

Benefit

The benefits of chamomile for the human body have been known for a long time.

Pharmaceutical camomile:

• acts as a natural antiseptic;
• able to stop bleeding;
• has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect;
• has a calming effect;
• is able to stop seizures;
• has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect.

The medicinal plant is used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also for cosmetic purposes. Even Hippocrates advised women to drink chamomile tea to prolong youth and preserve beauty.

An infusion of a medicinal plant is famous for such healing properties:

• relief of spasm and diarrhea;
• heals wounds, relieves inflammation of the oral cavity, as well as eczema and rashes;
• relieves nervousness by acting on the nervous system;
• destroys cancer cells;
• reduces coagulation;
• reduces the concentration of cholesterol.

For women

Pharmacy chamomile (photo and description of the plant will make it possible to be convinced of its usefulness and high healing efficiency) is also called "uterine". And all because with inflammation of the genitourinary system in women, doctors themselves recommend douching with an infusion of chamomile.

The procedures suppress pain, arrest the development of the inflammatory process, and destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

Chamomile baths fight fatigue, irritability, nervousness. Such water procedures should be carried out during a period of high nervous tension, with insomnia or severe fatigue.

With painful menstruation, the infusion relieves pain and relaxes smooth muscles. And if you add mint or lemon balm to the chamomile infusion, it will help you fall asleep quickly and sweetly.

During pregnancy, doctors advise giving up chamomile tea. This is rather the only case when a medicinal drink can be harmful. The thing is that the plant contains phytoestrogens that enhance the tone of the uterus, which carries the risk of premature birth and miscarriages.

This fact is dangerous for women prone to uterine hypertonicity. If the expectant mother does not have such problems, she is allowed to take the infusion as a means of suppressing the manifestations of toxicosis, headache or nervousness, but not more than 100 ml per day. Take just before meals.

Also, it is impossible to note the high benefits of chamomile broth during breastfeeding. Despite the numerous beneficial properties of the plant, it should not be abused during lactation. To avoid harm to the child, you should limit the daily intake of chamomile tea to 2 cups per day.

Some scientists believe that chamomile can affect breast milk production and taste. A large dose of chamomile can reduce the amount of the product, which can affect the baby's nutrition. Also, it is impossible to say unequivocally about the reaction of the child's body to the components of chamomile. Don't forget about possible allergies.

For men

Tibetan monks were among the first to learn about the secret of youth with the help of chamomile, it is from them that the recipe for rejuvenation with this plant comes.

Further, the effect of chamomile was more and more recognized and it was scientifically proven that the infusion of the plant helps to cope with prostatitis, especially in conjunction with an enema. The daily intake of the infusion has a healing effect on the genitourinary system of a man, relieves of chronic diseases.

For children

Children should be given chamomile infusion with caution. The plant is used mainly as baths for bathing. The procedures prevent the development of the inflammatory process on the skin, relieve irritation. Also, such healing water procedures allow you to establish a child's night sleep.

The preparation is simple: 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured into 1 liter of boiling water, infused for 20 minutes, filtered. It is necessary to strain so that no parts of the plant fall into the bath and, accordingly, on the skin of the newborn. It should be noted that such procedures should not be carried out every day, it is better to limit yourself to 1-2 baths per week.

Taking chamomile inside for children as teas, decoctions and infusions is allowed only after 3 years of age.

Harm

Chamomile is mild in its action, however, in some cases it can still harm the body. For example, with pancreatitis, a plant can exacerbate it.

During pregnancy, there is a risk of increased uterine tone, which can lead to premature birth or miscarriage. If you take chamomile while breastfeeding, the risk of an allergic reaction in the baby to the constituent plants increases.

Excessive use of the medication can provoke side effects:

• nausea;
• high blood pressure;
• headache;
• dizziness.

Contraindications

Chamomile is a mild drug with virtually no contraindications. However, in some cases its use is unacceptable, and in some it is worth limiting its use. So, with caution it is worth taking medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Children under the age of 3 years should not take pharmacy chamomile orally, it is allowed to use the plant only for baths. Also, a contraindication to the use of chamomile is the upcoming operation. In this case, patients are advised to completely abandon drugs based on pharmacy chamomile 14 days before the operation.

Application

Chamomile has many effects (anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antibacterial, astringent, antiallergic, diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic).

It is thanks to the combination of these properties that chamomile is used to treat various diseases:

1. With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacy chamomile stimulates appetite, activates the digestive tract, relieves spasms, eliminates intestinal colic.
2. With kidney and urinary diseases. The medicine relieves inflammation, promotes a diuretic effect, destroys and removes small stones in urolithiasis.
3. With SD. Chamomile is used both externally (for skin problems) and orally to lower blood sugar levels.
4. With inflammation of the joints. An infusion or ointment is made based on a medicinal herb and rubbed into the sore spot.
5. With infectious diseases. The medicine relieves swelling, inflammation, strengthens the immune system, relieves pain, improves performance.
6. With overwork, insomnia, central nervous system disorders. Stimulates blood circulation, enriches blood with oxygen, dilates blood vessels, strengthens capillary walls.
7. With malfunctions of the menstrual cycle, with male impotence. Baths based on chamomile infusion are used.
8. For cancerous skin lesions, compresses based on chamomile gruel are applied.
9. For cosmetic purposes. A product is used to strengthen hair, nails, to get rid of dandruff, to improve the color and condition of the skin of the face.

With bronchitis

The vasodilatation effect perfectly copes with bouts of coughing and shortness of breath in bronchitis, as well as in bronchial asthma. The effect of chamomile is enhanced in combination with other medicinal plants.

To prepare the medicine you will need:

• chamomile leaves - 2 parts;
• calendula flowers - 1 part;
• fresh aloe - 1 part;
• plantain - 1 part.

Combine all these components, select 3 tbsp. l. raw materials and pour it with 1 glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 2-2.5 hours. Then strain the medicine and take 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals. The course of treatment is up to 2 weeks.

With the flu

To prepare a folk remedy, you will need the following components:

• chamomile flowers;
• watch leaves;
• dried centaury.

All components of the medicine are taken in equal parts. For cooking, you need 4 tbsp. l. herbal collection and 3 glasses of boiling water. Herbs are poured with boiling water and infused for 2-2.5 hours, after which everything is filtered. It is taken orally 1 glass 3 times a day. The course of treatment is up to 2 weeks.

With gastritis

To prepare the medicine you will need:

• chamomile flowers;
• yarrow;
• peppermint;
• sagebrush;
• sage.

All ingredients are taken in equal parts of 10 g. 2 hours are taken from the finished composition. l. collection and poured with 1 glass of boiling water. The medicine is infused for half an hour. It is filtered. It is taken orally 0.5 cups 2 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is up to 2 weeks. After a week break, the course can be repeated.

For insomnia and nervous tension

For collection, you should take the following components:

• chamomile flowers - 30 g;
• valerian root (dried) - 30 g;
• peppermint - 20 g;
• lavender flowers - 20 g.

Mix all the ingredients and select 2 tbsp. l. raw materials. Pour boiling water over it (1 glass) and leave for 15 minutes, drain. Take in small sips throughout the day. Treatment is when symptoms are present.

To improve the condition of the skin of the face

A simple decoction of chamomile is being prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. raw materials for 1 glass of boiling water. The product is used daily for washing. The broth has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which noticeably improves the condition of the skin after 3-4 applications.

With baldness

To prepare the product you will need:

• chamomile flowers;
• burdock root (chopped);
• St. John's wort;
• succession;
• aralia manchu;
• tansy flowers;
• corn silk;
• flowers of cmin sandy.

All components will be required 15 g each, except for chamomile flowers and corn stigmas - they will be needed for a 10 g remedy. From the received fee, 2 tbsp is selected. l. raw materials and 1 liter of boiling water is poured. Infused for 30 minutes, filtered.

You need to take the medicine orally 0.5 glasses before meals (20 minutes). The course of therapy is up to 2 weeks. After a month's break, the treatment can be repeated.

The effectiveness of chamomile has been proven for many centuries. The description of the plant shows how wide the range of its action is, which makes it possible to use drugs based on it in various directions (for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, infections, nervous disorders, insomnia, and for cosmetic goals).

After reviewing the photos presented in the article, you can distinguish medicinal chamomile from the ornamental types of flowers of the Aster family. In folk medicine, only chamomile is used. The composition of other related flowers can be detrimental to human health.

Video about chamomile pharmacy

Malysheva on the healing chamomile tea: